Romania charges Tate brothers with human trafficking and sexual offenses

Andrew and Tristan Tate have been formally charged in Romania with multiple human trafficking and sexual offenses, including allegations that they earned more than $1.2 million by forcing a girl to perform sexual acts during video calls.

Romania’s Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism alleges that Andrew Tate transferred the girl to Romania, where he allegedly continued to abuse her. The 39-year-old is accused of trafficking a minor, money laundering and sexual intercourse with a minor. His 38-year-old brother, Tristan Tate, faces accusations of assisting in the trafficking of a minor and money laundering.

The brothers have faced criminal allegations for years. British prosecutors brought charges against them in 2024 and announced additional charges in July while seeking their extradition to Britain. The Tates oppose extradition.

They are currently detained in Miami and have denied all allegations. The brothers hold dual British and U.S. citizenship but have lived mainly in Romania since 2017. Romanian authorities have investigated them since December 2022.

It remains unclear whether Romania’s organized crime and terrorism prosecutors will seek their extradition from the United States. Romanian prosecutors previously charged the brothers with human trafficking, but in 2024 the Bucharest Court of Appeal returned the case after finding parts of the evidence inadmissible. Andrew Tate has a large social-media following, particularly among young men, and is known for openly misogynistic views and statements emphasizing masculinity.